«From next July 1st the entrance to the Archaeological park of Herculaneum it will cost 16 euros. This is an increase of 23% – currently the cost is 13 euros – which was learned in a completely casual manner, considering the absence of any official communication from the Park management, by visiting the purchase platform of online entrance tickets”. He states it Maurizio Maddaloniowner of one of the major travel agencies operating in the incoming and cruise sector, as well as managing director for institutional relations of Fiavet Campania-Basilicata.
«We don’t know the reasons for the increase – observes Maddaloni -. And we don’t want to express judgments in decisions that are not our responsibility. But some reflections need to be made regarding the policies of pricing in the tourism sector, which they risk making Naples and Campania less competitive than other destinations who, on the contrary, enjoy the support of substantial incentives and promotions. However, what leaves tour operators extremely perplexed – continues Maddaloni – bordering on irritation, is the practice, now widespread and reprehensible, of making increases in the middle of the season! Tourism is planning. And it must be taken into account that tourist packages and related services are sold at least a year in advance. Conferences are held, interviews are held, the new extraordinary archaeological discoveries of the sites in our region are presented to the whole world and there is no opportunity to share some fundamental decisions with those who actually bring tourists to the sites”.
«Let it be clear – Maddaloni continues in his analysis – that we are not prejudicially against increases, especially if accompanied by greater usability of the site and better services but such increases must be planned, shared and communicated in time». «And it should be added that, with the next increase which will take effect on July 1st, operators will have to face the inconvenience of having to communicate to foreign Tour Operators the change compared to contracts already stipulated. Very often, these adjustments are not accepted and the increased costs must be covered by the Travel Agents, also to avoid damage to the image of their companies and our tourist destinations, and judgments of superficiality or – worse – of commercial incorrectness, by the foreign tour operators”.
«In reality – is the reflection of Giuseppe Scanu, president of Fiavet Campania Basilicata – in addition to many beautiful words for tourism, there would be a need for greater political recognition and adequate attention and sensitivity for us tourism operators, on the part of those with institutional responsibilities. They asked us to promote the internal areas and the minor cultural and archaeological sites but, if we don’t work as a team and everyone continues to operate alone, it would be better for us to sell already consolidated products which require less effort”. «We feel the need to establish a discussion table to establish rules and methods for correct and effective institutional relations and collaboration”, concludes Maddaloni.
